Sci Fi Cancellation Watch: CBS Needs to Do the Right Thing with Person Of Interest, Vixen Renewed, Plus the Weekly Ratings Roundup

Unless otherwise noted, the ratings numbers below are based on the final overnights and may vary slightly from the preliminaries reported on the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site.

It’s now January and there is still no word on when the fifth season of CBS’ Person of Interest will bow and whether that truly is the show’s last year. But executive producer J.J. Abrams was at the TCAs this weekend promoting his new time travel series 11.22.63 and when asked about PoIhe commented “my guess is it is the final season”. That really comes as no surprise, though, because word is that the show was nearly cancelled last year (though CBS has no one to blame but itself and its poor scheduling for the ratings drop off), and the final deal had the network only committing to a thirteen episode fifth season. And from what I have heard, the writers and producers have approached it as the show’s last year. I’m sure hardcore fans would like to see a few more seasons of this show, but it has had a good run (over a hundred episodes once it is all said and done) and it will get the opportunity to go out on its own terms. I personally count myself as a fan of the show, but I’m not disappointed knowing that it is likely going into its last year. The main thing that bothers me is that CBS seems to be kicking the show to the curb. They should treat this show which has done well for them for several years with more respect and at least find it a slot on the schedule instead of stringing the fans along like they have. This network has long history of aversion to genre shows (cancelling fan-favorites such as Jericho and Moonlight) and leaving this acclaimed and well-loved show for schedule spackle is a pretty low move on their part. Let the show at least go out with some dignity and get it on the schedule as soon as possible, CBS.

The show that you probably didn’t know existed has been renewed for a second season as The CW has announced they will do another round of episodes of their Vixen web series which airs on their online service CW Seed. Based on the DC comic book character of the same name, this animated series is an extension of the Arrow-verse and the Arrow and Flash characters appeared in the first season which comprised six episodes totaling up to 30 minutes. Word is that a live-action version of Vixen will show up on Arrowlater this season. You can watch the first season of Vixen (combined into a 30 minute stream) at this link.

You can read the weekly wrap up from last week at this link, and the broadcast network and cable scorecards will return on Friday.

This show had a nice mid-season return, posting its best numbers since its second episode. If it can hold at around these levels then a second season looks likely.

Chart Activity: This show returned to the broadcast network Top 25 with its mid-season premiere ranking Number 19 in the chart based on the overnights for the 18-49 demographic and Number 14 based on total viewers.